Roosevelt Alcorn's Obituary
OBITUARY - Roosevelt Alcorn, M.D.
November 8, 1932, was a monumentous day for the world -- Franklin D. Roosevelt became President ...and more remarkably, it was the day Roosevelt Alcorn was born. Although emerging from humble beginnings in the small city of Muskegon, Michigan, Dr. Roosevelt Alcorn passed away on January 25, 2024, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy.
Against all odds, Dr. Alcorn navigated through financial hardships with unwavering determination pursuing a career in pediatric and adolescent medicine, receiving his M.D. from Michigan State University in 1974, and completing his residency and fellowship at the University of Colorado Health Science Center in Denver,
Colorado, where he and two other colleagues established a blood bank that proved to be a lifeline for patients suffering with Sickle Cell Anemia.
Dr. Alcorn and his family relocated to Houston, Texas in 1979, where he set up his pediatric practice and
became skilled in the management of pain for Sickle Cell Anemia patients. For over 40 years, he touched
countless lives as a dedicated, compassionate physician with a servant's heart; Dr. Alcorn wasn't just a doctor; as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a surrogate father to many. His passion for serving the poor and underserved was a huge driving force in both his career and personal life.
On January 25, 2024, the world lost a phenomenal individual, leaving a void that words can hardly capture. Dr. Alcorn, affectionately known as 'Doc Alcorn" was an angelic, magnetic, and compassionate presence in the lives of all who knew him. The outpouring of prayers, texts, DMs, and voicemails from those who shared in his journey is a testament to the immense impact he had on the world.
Preceding him in death are his parents, Ulysses and Kathryn Alcorn, brothers Ulysses and Eugene, and a
sister Doris Carlice. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving, devoted wife, JoAnna; sister: Antoinette Tate; son Roosevelt (Sallie) Alcorn, Jr., seven daughters: Brenda Gillespie, Gail (Sivere)Warren, Grace Marie Harris, Edith Powe, Willidena Alcorn, Kellie (Dimitri) Karavias, Tracey M. Ferguson. Grandchildren: Dalethia Harris, Jayda (Jason) Champion, Sivere (Melinda) Warren, Jr., Sivita Warren, Rachel Warren, Adrian (Bianca) Powe, Amanda Powe, Davina Alcorn, Alina Alcorn, Lisa (Melvin) Fraiser, Joshua DeBarge; Kendall (Patrick) Sands, Aleko Karavias; several great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.
Our tragic loss is undoubtedly heaven gain. Dr. Alcorn made us all better, leaving an indelible mark through
his zeal for Christ, his family, friends, patients, and mentees. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he
touched. Dr. Alcorn lived a life incredibly well done, giving all he had right until the end.
As we mourn the passing of this Godly, class-act man, we find solace in the hope that we can live up to his
example. Dr. Roosevelt Alcorn was one of one, and his memory will forever inspire us to strive for the same
level of compassion, dedication, and love that he so effortlessly embodied.
Dr. Alcorn Homegoing Celebration service will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at The
Fountain of Praise, 13950 Hillcroft Avenue, Houston, Texas 77084.
Dr. Roosevelt Alcorn's Homegoing service will be live streamed at 1:00 PM CT on The Fountain of Praise website at www.tfop.org
What’s your fondest memory of Roosevelt?
What’s a lesson you learned from Roosevelt?
Share a story where Roosevelt's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Roosevelt you’ll never forget.
How did Roosevelt make you smile?